If you're involved in a single-car accident, you may have some questions regarding your insurance and whether your vehicle insurance provides coverage for these types of accidents. To ensure you're able to navigate the insurance claim process following a single-vehicle accident, stick around for more information.
What are single-vehicle accidents?
Before we get into the details about whether your insurance covers single-vehicle collisions, we first need to define what exactly this type of car accident is. A single-vehicle collision is a type of car accident where only one vehicle is involved. Unlike other types of car accidents where more than one car is involved, a single-vehicle accident does not involve anyone but themselves and is typically the driver's fault.
Common causes of single-vehicle accidents
Believe it or not, there are numerous actions that can lead a driver to be involved in a single-vehicle accident. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Bad weather conditions
Whether snow, heavy rain, fog, or other adverse conditions that make visibility poor, bad weather is one of the main causes drivers may get into a single-car accident while behind the wheel.
An error made by the driver
Errors include being on your cell phone, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or other distracted driving behaviours.
A vehicle defect
A blown-out tire, faulty brakes, or other mechanical failures could lead to single-car accidents as well.
Unexpected or sudden obstacles
When faced with a sudden obstacle like unsecured cargo on the vehicle in front of you or other obstacles.
Encounters with animals
Whether wild animals or family pets, it's a natural reaction to avoid hitting them, which could lead to you damaging your vehicle.
Who is liable for single-vehicle accidents?
Unlike car accidents that involve multiple parties where determining fault can be difficult when it comes to a single-vehicle accident, most of the time, the person driving is the one held liable. That said, if external circumstances like weather conditions, sudden obstacles, medical emergencies, or other events cause the driver to lose control, it may be determined an accident by local authorities.
Is a single-vehicle collision covered by my insurance company?
The good news is that if you have collision insurance, any vehicle damage that occurs will be covered by your insurance provider. Collision car coverage protects policyholders if they are involved in at-fault accidents by covering repair or replacement costs needed for their vehicle. Policyholders will, however, need to pay a deductible before their insurance company covers the remaining costs.
Will a single-car accident affect my insurance?
So, you've just been in a single-vehicle accident. What happens now? Will a single-vehicle collision affect insurance? Because it's likely the driver of the single vehicle will be held liable for the accident. Your insurance company will increase your premiums the next time they're up for renewal.
How long will a single-car collision remain on my driving record?
If you've been involved in a single-vehicle crash, the unfortunate matter is that it will impact your car insurance rates unless you have accident forgiveness car insurance and the car accident happens to be your first at-fault collision. Therefore, single-car accidents typically remain on your driving history for up to six years.
Ensure you're fully protected behind the wheel
To ensure you're protected while driving your vehicle, there are numerous types of auto insurance you can purchase beyond collision coverage. In the following sections, we will explore different types of auto insurance coverages:
Mandatory coverage
Regardless of which province or territory you live in, the following car insurance policies are mandatory. However, the coverage minimums will vary between provinces:
Third-party liability insurance
Third-party liability insurance covers you if you cause bodily injury or property damage to a third party while operating your motor vehicle. With liability coverage, any medical expenses, repair costs, legal fees, and other fees are covered in the event legal action is taken against you.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Uninsured automobile insurance protects policyholders if they are involved in a collision with two or more vehicles where one or both drivers involved are either uninsured or underinsured. If the other drivers involved are found liable for damages, your uninsured car insurance will compensate you for repairs or replacements for your vehicle. This policy will also protect you if you are involved in a collision where the other driver flees the accident scene before you can exchange information.
Accident benefits insurance
If you, your passengers, or any pedestrians are injured in a car accident, accident benefits ensure that you'll be able to recover from your injuries without worrying about medical costs. Accident benefits coverage will cover the cost of medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other related expenses, regardless of who is found at fault for the collision.
Optional coverage
To supplement your collision coverage and mandatory policies mentioned above, you may also want to consider the following optional car insurance:
Comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive car coverage is similar to collision coverage as it covers the cost of vehicle repairs following the payment of your deductible. However, a comprehensive policy will provide policyholders with compensation for damages following a non-collision accident. For example, if your vehicle is damaged as a result of theft, vandalism, fire, adverse weather conditions, or other perils listed in your specific car insurance policy.
Accident forgiveness coverage
One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among Canadian drivers is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim.
Note: coverage varies by province.
What are the penalties for distracted driving?
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Canada, which is why penalties for distracted driving are severe and meant to deter Canadians from operating a motor vehicle without their full attention on their surroundings. Generally speaking, however, penalties for this type of driving offence will vary between provinces and territories. For example, in Ontario, drivers will be given a $615 ticket. Should the driver attempt to dispute the ticket, their fine will increase to as much as $2,000. For a second offence, the fine is the same amount, however, drivers will also face a seven-day driving suspension, and six demerit points on their driver's licence.
How much does a car accident devalue a car?
Whether you've been in single-vehicle collisions or one with several drivers and your vehicle is damaged, the value of your car will decrease. This may have you wondering, "How much does an accident devalue a car?" Vehicle specialists believe that automobiles involved in accidents could deteriorate up to 25% quicker than the typical depreciation rate. However, the exact amount will vary depending on the vehicle's age and condition before the actual accident occurred. The truth is that collisions can have long-term consequences for a vehicle. Thus, the more times your car is involved in a collision, the less safe and dependable it becomes. Damage can cause considerable wear and tear on a car. Regardless of whether you have your car fixed, there is a potential that the outcome will not be sufficient enough that its value remains the same.
Is leaving the scene of an accident illegal?
Under certain circumstances and depending on the province or territory the accident occurred in, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and can lead to several consequences. Most of the time, if someone is injured or has died, a pedestrian is involved in the collision, or the damage to your vehicle or vehicles involved exceeds $2000, you are legally required to phone local law enforcement and report the accident. Failing to report an accident can lead to fines, a suspension of your licence, and jail time.
What is a major cause of highway accidents?
There are several driving behaviours and events that can lead to accidents. The major cause of highway accidents tends to range from distracted driving, speeding, aggressive driving habits, medical emergencies, bad weather conditions, being fatigued while driving, and drunk driving. These, combined with high speeds, can lead to severe damages and bodily injuries that affect not just a single car, which is why it's essential that drivers follow the rules of the road and posted speed limits and practice safe driving.
What are common car accident injuries?
If you're ever involved in a collision, you may be injured. Some of the most common car accident injuries include whiplash, soft tissue injuries, broken bones, neck and back trauma, burns, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, and psychological problems.
How to identify car accident injuries?
Following single-vehicle accidents and ones involving other drivers, there's a high possibility that you, your passengers, or others involved have suffered injuries. As such, identifying car accident injuries quickly and correctly is essential to ensuring you're able to get the medical attention you require quickly. Common symptoms include but are not limited to reduced range of motion, swelling and inflammation, bruising, redness or discolouration, tenderness or sensitivity to touch, changes in eating and sleeping habits, dizziness, problems with vision, and more.
Contact BrokerLink for affordable car insurance
Whether a single-vehicle crash or one involving multiple drivers, ensuring you have the right car insurance in place can make navigating the insurance claim process less stressful and daunting.
At BrokerLink, we help Canadians find affordable auto coverage that matches their unique needs and budget. Unlike a traditional insurance company, BrokerLink has access to some of Canada's top providers and policies, allowing you to pick and choose what works for you.
To work with a broker in person, don't hesitate to visit us at one of our many locations across the country. If we aren't in your neighbourhood, you can always reach us over the phone! And, if you're simply browsing for coverage, you can get a free, competitive insurance quote using our online quote tool right from the comfort of your own home or on the go!
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